This installment of the Deadly Gardens-series clocks in at 5 pages, 1 page front cover, ½ a page SRD, leaving us with 3.5 pages of content, so let’s take a look!

So, this is a change from Deadly Garden’s usual formula, in that we do not begin with the usual magic items – instead, we hear about the legend of Verdaxag and how it works: The colossal king of trees seems to empathetically feel the pain of plants, ignoring it for a while…and when the threshold is reached, the fury is unleashed! Well, or when multiple high-level druids undertake the wrath of Verdaxag ritual, which summons the mighty kaiju to lay waste to all humanoids within a 50 Mile radius. (Btw.: Kaiju subtype information is included for your convenience!)

Now Verdaxag itself is a BEAST. As befitting of a creature of its legend and power, it clocks in at CR 23. With AC 40, fast healing and impressive defenses, even high-level PCs will have a challenge on their hands when facing this force of nature, which btw. has no less than 5 attacks! Verdaxag can breath a cone of devastating, bleed-inducing thorns as a breath weapon and its mere presence entangles targets. Slaying a foe heals the king of trees and no plant creature can be harmed or compelled to harm Verdaxag. Additionally, the lord of trees can emit two types of pollen: Poison and rust can be caused …ouch. Setting fire to the fellow is btw. NOT a smart idea…and even if the mighty kaiju is defeated, that will not end the threat, as it will regrow. Only while in a weakened state after regrowth can the lord of trees be defeated. (Minor complaint: There is a spell reference not italicized.)

Conclusion:

Editing and formatting are very good, top-notch on a rules-language level. Layout adheres to a two-column full-color standard and the artwork for Verdaxag is fantastic, particularly considering the low price point. The pdf comes fully bookmarked in spte of its brevity – kudos!

Mike Welham’s King of Trees is AMAZING. I am a sucker for kaiju, and Verdaxag sports a ton of unique and intriguing abilities that should make the king of trees a fantastic foe for the forces of civilization. All in all, an excellent supplement for a super-fair price. My final verdict will clock in at 5 stars + seal of approval.